Zebu Forno

Location: Red Bank, Holmdel, Hoboken (NEW!), and (Coming Winter '09) Freehold, NJ

Hours: varies with location


Genre: European cafe, bakery, and
pizzeria (forno meaning 'oven' in Italian)

This is a great local chain! They roast their coffee beans locally every week, and they're always featuring some unique blends like "Pumpkin" and "Cinnamon Bun" . They always have an extremely diverse spread of food: bagels, "Zebutattas", wraps, panini, bruschetta, soup, etc. I could go on and on because I've tried so many delicious combinations. One of my standbys is a toasted jalapeno bagel with vegetable cream cheese and some Pelligrino aranciata (sparkling orange juice). For lunch I'll get a mozzerella panini with a black cherry soda (they have Boylan's on tap!) and a gelato or a blondie for dessert! If you don't know what a blondie is, then you must go and find out for yourself. And in case you missed it- yes! They DO have gelato! You will all soon learn that I am a sucker for the sweets.

Another plus is the free Wi-Fi here! There's plenty of space, and you can stay all day without being bothered by any crowds or live music if you want some quiet study time. I frequent the Holmdel location in the Commons on Rt 35, and there is plenty of space to find your 'spot'. There are some tv's planted throughtout as well as fantastic original artwork. One thing that makes Zebu Forno so special is, in fact the wall-sized murals on the walls. Great American icons and world reknowned artists are portrayed in the style that they worked in (impressionistic, pop art, surrealism). If you are looking for a new hangout with a great variety of products, make Zebu Forno your next lunch break!